Monday, April 4, 2016

Target Beauty Box vs. Walmart Beauty Box: Is One Better Than the Other?

Since we have beauty boxes on our minds today (given the release of the newest Target Beauty Box, which is now sold out), I thought it was a good time to talk about this. A couple of you commented on my Target post and had some questions about the Walmart Beauty Box, so I wanted to do a compare/contrast for you.

Thanks so much to reader Lindsay for sharing her pic (above and below) of the latest Walmart Spring 2016 Beauty Box. This came in so handy and enabled me to write this post with much greater detail. Thanks again for that, Lindsay!

WALMART BEAUTY BOX:
This is a seasonal box (four boxes per year) that first launched in Fall 2014. I posted about it at that time (I did a few posts about it, actually). There were some wrinkles with this box when it first launched, but it appears that all of those wrinkles have been ironed out since the initial launch. When it first debuted, there were questions about the security of the sign-up page (it IS secure, by the way--you can see the HTTPS here) and some readers said that they were charged twice when they first signed up. But since Fall 2014, I have heard ZERO complaints about the sign-up process, so it appears that everything is now running smoothly with this service.

The Walmart Beauty Box is free, but you pay $5 for shipping, per box. Once you sign up HERE, you will receive four boxes (one for spring, summer, winter, and fall). You will be billed $5 each time a box ships, for a total of $20 per year.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: When this box first launched, different subscribers received slightly different items in their boxes depending on their age. I was under the impression that Walmart stopped doing this, but I have since been informed by several of you that this is still happening (thank you!) so let me break this down for you:

When you sign up, you will be required to specify if you're under 35 or over 35. From there, you will be assigned one of two boxes: Classic (over 35) or Trendsetter (under 35). When you go into your account, you should have the option to change your preference. Also, thanks to readers Elida and Kelly on Facebook for confirming that when you log into your account and go to your profile, you now have to option to subscribe to BOTH the Trendsetter and Classic boxes ($5 each, so instead of $20 per year you'll pay $40 per year if you elect to subscribe to both). If you don't see this option in your profile, please contact Walmart directly--I can't really help you since I don't subscribe to this box.

TARGET BEAUTY BOX:
This is a monthly box that tends to go live on the Target site on the first Monday of each month (this month's box is now sold out, but the previews are always listed HERE). There's no advance sign-up for this box and there is no subscription option; it's a one-off box, first come first served. These boxes tend to run between $5 and $7 each, and shipping is always free. If you have a Target REDcard, you also get 5% off your boxes.

WALMART SPRING 2016 BEAUTY BOX:

inage credit: Lindsay for Nouveau Cheap

Walmart Spring 2016 Beauty Box

(retail: free; $5 shipping)

The contents of the Walmart Beauty Boxes change with each box. You do not get to preview the box in advance--once you pay, you get what you get, four times per year. Most of the items in this box are deluxe/travel size, but they do often include a full-size item (sometimes more). Also, thanks to reader Elizabeth in the comments below for sharing that she sometimes, instead of a full-size item, may receive a coupon for a free full-size product, shipped separately from the boxes. I have also just heard from several of you who confirmed that you often receive $$ off coupons in your boxes for various products. Previous boxes have included full-size CoverGirl lipsticks, full-size Rimmel mascaras, full-size Revlon lipsticks, full-size ROC skincare products, full-size Schick Hydro Silk Disposable Razors, and the like (usually one full-size item per box IF there's a full-size item; sometimes there is not a full-size item in these boxes).

Lindsay kindly included a list of the items in the Spring 2016 Walmart Beauty Box, with sizes:

Colgate Optic White toothpaste 3 oz

Dove Dry Oil Body Wash 1.8 oz

Banana Boat Sun Comfort SPF 30 1 oz

Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Restorative Night Cream .5 oz

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer 2 oz

Curel Rough Skin Rescue 0.7 oz

Neutrogena Moisture Smooth Color Stick in Pink Grapefruit .08 oz

NO full-size items in the Spring 2016 box, but there are seven items total. Some of the samples are pretty generous, so I think it's a nice deal for $5. Click here to do a Google Image Search and take a look at many of the previous Walmart Beauty Boxes to get an overall feel for this box.

TARGET MARCH 2016 BEAUTY BOX:

Target March 2016 Beauty Box

(retail: $7; free shipping)

The contents of the Target Beauty Boxes change with each box. A few days before each box goes live on the Target site, you're able to preview the contents HERE (they do not specify product sizes in their previews, so you won't know which products will be full-size, deluxe/travel size, or packets until the box goes live). Most of the items in this box are deluxe/travel size, but they do tend to include at least once full-size item per box; occasionally more (example: a previous Target Beauty Box contained both a full-size NYX Butter Gloss and a full-size CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Face Primer). Previous boxes have included full-size Simple Towelettes, full-size ChapStick Total Hydration Lip Balms, full-size L'Oreal mascaras, full-size Clairol Hair Food haircare products, full-size Revlon lipsticks, full-size L'Oreal makeup setting sprays, and the like. Click here to do a Google Image Search and take a look at many of the previous Target Beauty Boxes to get an overall feel for this box.

As you can see, there's a full-size bottle of Sinful Colors in this box, and since Nugg face masks come in single-serving pods, I'm considering that full-size as well. I do want to mention that customers received varying shades of Sinful Colors nail polish in this box (I personally received the shade Hush Money), and I also heard from some of you who received a different scent than I did for the You Are Amazing lotion (I received Juicy Grapefruit).

I also want to point out that there was an overlap in these most recent boxes--the Walmart and Target boxes both contained the same Banana Boat sunscreen.

PROS AND CONS:

Walmart Beauty Box:

This box tends to include popular mass brands (brands owned by Unilever, P&G, Johnson & Johnson, etc.). This is obviously going to be either a pro or con depending on your tastes. A definite pro would be that once you sign up for this box, that's it. You're going to get a box four times a year unless you cancel your subscription. There's no mad dash required to grab this box before it sells out, and it's always $5 (they word it as "free" but you pay $5 for shipping per box). A con would be that you only get four boxes per year. If you love getting a box every month, you won't get that here. And thanks to reader Elizabeth in the comments below for sharing that she sometimes gets a coupon in the mail (separate from the beauty box) for a free full-size product. That's a definitely pro. Also, if you caught my update above, another pro is that you can choose between boxes geared toward younger subscribers (Trendsetter) and mature subscribers (Classic). OR, you can purchase both.

Target Beauty Box:

This box tends to include a mix of popular mass brands (brands owned by Unilever, P&G, Johnson & Johnson, etc.) as well as smaller brands (Acure, Marlow, Shea Moisture, Nip + Fab. You Are Amazing) that are sometimes Target-exclusive. Over recent years, we've seen an increase in diversity when it comes to the contents of the Target Beauty Box. For example, a while back there was a haircare-themed box that contained some products with a focus on WoC, and we're seeing more Korean beauty products these days as well. Target also occasionally offers boxes for men in addition to boxes that are more female-focused. A definite con would be that you have to act quickly to get a Target Beauty Box, since these boxes always sell out on the day they go live. You cannot subscribe to this box, so you have to be prepared ahead of time and ready to buy when it goes live. Also, the price is not consistent. Sometimes it's $5, and sometimes it's $7. But shipping is always free. Target always includes a coupon for $3 off your $15 beauty purchase in-store or online at Target in their boxes, and there are no restrictions on this coupon. You can use it on mass or masstige (more expensive brands like Laneige, etc.). So that's another pro.

Additional thoughts:
I hope that this compare/contrast gives you a better feel for these two boxes. It's impossible for me to say that one is across-the-board better than the other, because it totally depends on YOUR particular needs and interests. Bottom line: they're both inexpensive, and they both give you a variety of products to sample. But I do want to mention that I have not ever subscribed to the Walmart Beauty Box (I already subscribe to the Allure Beauty Box and I also buy the Target Beauty Box every month, and I find that that's more than enough beauty box goodness for me). So if I am missing any pertinent info that you think everyone should know about the Walmart Beauty Box, PLEASE SHARE in the comments below. I based all of my info above on feedback that I have received directly from you, as well as reading many unboxing posts online

PS: I always post here the moment that I know that the Target Beauty Boxes are live. If you'd like to receive a text notification for the next Target Beauty Box, click here for more info.

54 comments

I did get a full size rock serum with the one before last of my Walmart Beauty box and normally I do get one full sized product or a coupon for a free full sized product. Sometimes this comes separately from a the box. I received a deodorant spay 2 and a Revlon HD Lipstick.I wish you could sign up for the Target one. Thank you for your review.

I just received my first WalMart box and haven't even used any of the products yet, though I was pleased with them. I managed to snag a Target box this morning for only the second time EVER and only due to getting your text. The first time I guess I just got lucky. I didn't realize when I ordered my Walmart box that I was subscribing; that's news to me. I don't enjoy the frustration of never being able to grab a Target box. I would much prefer a subscription. Or, how hard would it be for them to make more to meet demand? Maybe I should just re-subscribe to ipsy and get a cute bag each month.

Yes, the Walmart box is a subscription. If you scroll to the bottom of the sign-up page, it says:

1. Sign up for your Walmart Beauty Box

2. Get a new box for every season(Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter)

Each subscriber will be charged upon receiving an order confirmation (locking in your box for the season).If you do not receive an order confirmation, please check your account information to make sure the payment and shipping information in your account is up to date (as well as check your junk mail). Following the order confirmation email is a shipping confirmation, once you receive the shipping confirmation email you can expect a delivery within 5-10 business days.

Hope that helps and I'm so glad you were able to get Target box this time around. I'm so happy the text alert helped! :D

You put so much detail in your blogposts which is exactly why I love your blog. Thank you so much for this post! I'm surprised that people can't get the target beauty box.. I've never had that problem but that may be since I check your blog at least 5 times a day. :)

OMG, thank you so much for that, Brenda! You have no idea how much that means to me. I always feel like some readers may think I'm a bit TOO wordy and detail-oriented, and when I find myself rambling here I always imagine people saying, "Just get to the point!" Lol! But that's me, and I accepted a loooong time ago that I'm wordy and I like to include as much detail as humanly possible in whatever I do, both on the blog and in real life. So I'm thrilled that what I write here resonates with you and that you enjoy it. Thank you so much. xo

The Walmart box pretty much always includes manufacturer's coupons also for items in the box. Like this box I received $3 off Burt's Bees bb cream, $1 off Neutrogena, & $1 off L'oreal. Love the Walmart box.

I signed up for a Walmart beauty box subscription about a week ago. I had to enter my credit card info along with everything else. I have not received any kind of notification from Walmart; no confirmation that I signed up or even that the spring boxes are still available. I logged in and they do have my info, it's just strange that they have given me no acknowledgement at all.

I get 2 Walmart boxes every season...Classic and Trendsetter and only got 1 shipping email for one of my winter boxes. 1 of my spring boxes has shipped but no confirmation was ever sent to my email. Only reason I know is because Walmart took money out of my account. Also...I was never asked my age when I signed up so I get both boxes. Walmart seems to be a finicky one.

I like being able to preview the Target box, so that's the winner for me. I have sensitive skin and am allergic to some fragranced lotions and other skin care. However, some times if the box is worth it I give some products away or my husband can use it (ie. sunscreen).

Just a comment on the Walmart spring box - Not everyone received the Banana Boat sunscreen. I actually got the Jergens darkening moisturizer instead. So not complete overlap! However, I did notice that the Cerave healing ointment was in the Target box, and I did get that sample in my Walmart box. Just wanted to point out some variation :)

Thank you so much! I knew that they used to vary the contents a bit based on your age range (what you submit when you first sign up) but I was told that they stopped doing this. Obviously not! Lol! I have since received even more info, from you as well as other commenters here, as well as on social media, so I'm working on updating my post now. Thanks again!!

Likewise, I didn't get the sunscreen. but I did get the Jergen's. This month was a total dud for me. I don't use self-tanner, and I also got a lightening shampoo, which will never touch my salon-dyed hair. I was really looking forward to that lipstick, though, and I didn't get one this month. Super sadface over here. :(

I have noticed that the Walmart beauty boxes are not the same for everyone. I have seen many pictures recently of the Spring Walmart beauty box and in those pictures there have been varying items. The picture above seems to include a Dove body wash which I have not yet seen in other pictures and it also lacks several other samples in foils and/or pods which I have most commonly seen in other people's pictures of what they received. I get 2 Walmart boxes...Classic and Trendsetter. I was never asked my age so I am not sure I keep hearing that they will only let you have 1 of the boxes based on age. When mine comes in...next few days...I will REPLY to my own comment and list what I received. I think it is important for people to understand that not all of the boxes are the same. In my Winter box I got several items that I have not seen in other people's pictures. I feel like Walmart keeps the items under wraps so that people do not complain when they don't receive something that someone else did...or maybe so people don't claim false advertising...whatever the case may be...just be aware that unlike the target box...the products are hit and miss; meaning, you may not necessarily receive the same exact items another subscriber did. Love your updates and I was able to snag 2 target boxes this morning. Last month I heard ladies saying they were able to buy 3 and use the $3 off coupon included in the previous months box but I found that untrue as the target site stated I could only purchase 2 when I tried to add a 3rd box to my cart.

Great post! As a couple readers already pointed out, the contents of the Walmart boxes do vary each time, in the type and number of items. For example, I received a couple different samples and 3 additional samples than the photo Lindsay shared for your blog. To address the age thing, when you sign up Walmart now offers two boxes they call "Trendy" and "Classic" and you can choose which box you prefer. I signed up for both. So I pay $10 each season and get two boxes with different samples (although half of them do overlap but extra sample/travel sizes are handy to have around!).I do like that you can subscribe to the Walmart box, but what I prefer about the Target box is you can choose if you want it. In the past year, I've always been able to buy the Target box (it's only sold out on me once) but I've also been able to skip the couple boxes that weren't a good fit for me. And I like that I can use the coupon that comes in the Target box on any beauty purchase, whereas the Walmart coupons are for specific items.

Thanks for all the great info, everyone. I did an update to my post a few moments ago, and I did my best to consolidate all of the various info I've been receiving over the last few hours. It was a LOT to process with all of the great info coming in here in your comments and on Facebook and Instagram, but I tried my very best to break it all down as clearly as I could. It may not be perfect, but I tried! If you'd like to add anything that I did NOT cover in my update, please comment below. And again, THANK YOU so much!!! xoxo

You rock. I look forward to all your blogs as I find them much more helpful that the MSA site. You definitely go more into depth about each individual box and that is a considerable help especially in situations like these. Thanks again for another awesome informative blog. 👍🏻😊

steps to add a second walmart box wiht a different age setting, as i couldn't figure out how to change my existing box.

order one with your correct age.on the account page you will see that you have either Classic (over 35) or Trendsetter (under 35)

on the right under your current subscription i a button to add another box, big orange buttonon the next page click this is a gift to open up the name and birth date fields. fill in your information again, but adjust your birth date so you fall in the age range for the other box.

I like both boxes for different reasons. I HATE the hoopla that surrounds the Target box, trying to get it before it sells out. I missed March because I was out of town, but I got today's box. I like the 3.00 coupon and I've been able to use it even after it expires( thats going to change, Target is getting cray cray with their coupon policy now). I travel a lot so I like the deluxe samples and I like being able to try items that I would not normally think about purchasing( the BB cream Target includes in almost every box). I was not aware that Walmart had 2 boxes, I must be getting over 35!! I got the box pictured. I sometimes get other samples in the mail from Walmart and I always wondered how I was getting those. Now I know.

Both boxes are nice. I like that Walmart is a subscription and for $5 a season you can't beat it. The products are always nice, its through that box that I discovered the neutrogena cleanser I keep in my shower. Razors, simple wipes, deodorant, and other nice essentials I have gotten to try out. Target I find more fun and interesting, but it sucks that you either catch it or you don't. Missed it today since I had a busy morning, but the boxes I have been able to get have all been good and what I have no interest for my sister or the rest of my family and friends enjoy.

The Walmart box tends to be very hit or miss. This spring box is really good in comparison to the others I've received. However, you can usually count on receiving a lot of foil packets and very few makeup items (usually none). The Target box always has a great variety. Generally speaking, I far prefer the Target boxes I've received.

When I first signed up over a year ago, they charged my card immediately but I didn't receive the box for a couple of months. I contacted customer service, and they were very very helpful. I haven't had any issues since, and I don't even think about it. Every few months I get an email telling me my box has shipped and it's a nice little surprise. I wouldn't pay $10 for the Walmart box, but $5 is worth it to me.

I am 33 and get both the Classis and Trendsetter. I was never asked my age and added both because I wanted to compare products. I have heard several people say they have both and were never asked their age, which is my situation.. and I've also heard a few people say that they cannot get 1 of the boxes cause they are too old or too young. Kinda random but it doesn't appear they ask everyone age when they sign up for each box.

I am signed up for both styles of the Walmart beauty box. I enjoy it but their email situation needs work. I received only one tracking email and have no way to know if it covers both boxes or just one. Also I got an email today to review products in my box to better customize my future boxes. As I haven't received either yet I can't say for sure but the products listed aren't any I have seen in other Walmart box reviews from this spring. And the reviews must be a new feature, I have never been asked to review the products before.

I have to say I have two accounts for Walmart Box and usually I get the younger and older version, this time I got what appears to be the same items, minus two minis but practically the same. I was hoping for Biore in my younger box, but nope :c

I have purchased both boxes. I really prefer the Walmart method, sign up and they send you a box every season. The Walmart box always has many items, I believe they have more products in their box, coupons for full size products, all very usable. I recieved a full size lipstick after I reviewed a box. On the other hand, I have ordered a few of the the Target boxes but the time spent hunting around, waiting for the release...its really silly. Who has the time? I feel a bit disrespected by Target's marketing method.. I also have a monthly subscription to Ipsy and birch box. Walmart beauty box is by far the best value and I always use all the products. I can't always say that about the Ipsy and birch box....some of their products don't work for me..I end up sharing with friends. It fun to get a box and try new products....so I really can't complain. Thank you for all your input. Your blog is terrific.

Thank you for such a detailed post. I have been getting the Target Box since Christmas. I just I'm lucky though snagged it every month. I am going to cancel Ipsy and just may sign up for Walmart. I love getting some fun mail every month instead of just bills and junk mail.

A bit late to the game but, if you want both Walmart boxes, after you sign up for the first box, change your birth year to fit in the other category. As in, I signed up with 08/08/1987 for trendsetter, then changed my birth date to 08/08/1972 and added a new subscription for classic. Then I switched the year back to 1987 and now I have both :D

I was going to list what I got in my 2016 Spring Walmart beauty box since it is slightly different from your post, but decided to look it up really quick because its a lot to type. lol. I got the exact same items from this post. http://jkstyle.com/subscription-2/walmart-beauty-box/spring-walmart-beauty-box-review-2/I'm very happy with what I get for the $5 and it's exciting to get the box every few months because its like a surprise gift. Usually I get an email when it ships and have had no issue with them. I've skipped on the Target box a couple of times, because I know I will only use 1 or 2 things in it and its not worth it for me in the end, but I'm usually happy with those boxes too. I think both are a great deal in their own ways.

Just received my Spring Box. 5 items, no coupons. Toothpaste, skin ointment, Cetaphil cleansing cloths, and 2 items I had received in the Winter box, Apricot scrub and Jergens wet skin moisturizer. It appeared as if this was items they had left over from other boxes. Pretty skimpy box.

I prefer the Target box over Walmart. When I first signed up the Walmart boxes were loaded. I've noticed that my boxes (I get both classic & trendsetter both) arrive 2-3 weeks after other people's. And I don't receive nearly as many products as the people who get them first, it's like they run out and just toss some random things in the box. With Target you get the same products everyone else does & you know what's in the box, sometimes I skip a month if I'm not interested in the products. With that being said I've had subscriptions to Allure, Walmart, Target, Ipsy, Birchbox and Beauty Box5. My favorite hands down is Allure! Although I'm waiting for my first Play By Sephora box so that might change.